There are four fascinating types of giraffe species across Africa. (Image: Getty)
As the tallest mammal in the world, you may think that all giraffes are the same, but in fact, there are four fascinating types of species across
The Southern giraffe, also known as the two-horned giraffe, is the most common species.
This giraffe is native to Southern Africa and is most commonly found dotted around south-eastern Angola, north-eastern , northern , south-western Zambia, Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, and throughout South Africa.
These giraffes usually live in savannahs and woodlands where food plants are available.
In 2016, the population was estimated at 31,500 individuals in the wild. As of 2010, there were around 45 South African giraffes breeding in zoos.
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The Southern giraffe is native to Southern Africa. (Image: Getty)
In East Africa, you will find the Masai giraffe, which can be found in central and southern Kenya and Tanzania.
These giraffes can be identified by their unique jagged, large, irregular leaf-like patches across their bodies.
Masai giraffes are noticeably darker and prefer to live in smaller groups. Their lifespan is 10-15 years in the wild and 20-27 years under human care.
These giraffes can grow to be a whopping 18 feet tall, making them the lookout towers of the savannah. With their incredible height, it will come as no surprise that these species are often hungry, so they feed 16 – 20 hours each day.
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Masai giraffes have irregular leaf-like patches that run across their body. (Image: Getty)
Map shows that giraffes in various parts of Africa have different patterns. Wonder if that’s the case for other animals too? Source:
— Simon Kuestenmacher (@simongerman600)
Northern giraffes are the most endangered species, with approximately only 5,900 left in the wild.
With a decline of more than 80% in the last three and a half decades, this species is now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Habitat loss, civil unrest, illegal hunting, and ecological changes (climate change and habitat conversion) are the main threats to this species.
These giraffes predominantly live in isolated pockets in Kenya and Ethiopia and can be spotted by their distinctive horn-like bumps on their foreheads, called ossicones.
There are only around 5,900 Northern giraffes left in the world. (Image: Getty)
The fourth type of species is the tallest land animal in the world, known as the Reticulated giraffe.
With its striking white lines and orange-brown patches, it is hard to miss this eye-catching species.
Also known as the Somali giraffe, these species can be found in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.
Reticulated giraffes are sadly classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. There are only around 11,000 mature reticulated giraffes in the wild.
Positive numbers across northern Kenya appear to be increasing with improved conservation measures.
Conservation efforts to save giraffes are largely focused on habitat protection, anti-poaching campaigns, and teaching people about the importance of protecting giraffes and how to do so.